Do I need an adapter or converter to use my electric items?

Two issues determine whether you need adaptors and/or converters.  Electricity in Europe is 240 volts compared to 120 volts in the US, and electric plugs are not standard across all countries in Europe.

TIP:  If uncertain ask the attendant at your lodging for help. Do not risk electric shock or fire.

An adapter allows the standard North American plug to engage a specific plug type in a given country.  In other words, you may need an adapter for every country you plan to visit if they have different shape plug-ins. Also, check the devices you want to use to see if they have a 3 pronged plug.  Many adaptors only support 2 prongs. Finally, if your device operates on 120 volts only then you will need a converter in addition to an adapter. CAUTION:  Adapters pass through what ever voltage the host country provides. If your adapter connects to the local power and allows an American style plug to attach to it your device will receive 240 volts NOT 120.  You must include a converter.

Converters switch the electricity from 240 volt to 120 volt. Most of the computer based items that people carry will automatically convert from 240 to 120 volts and therefore only need an adapter.  Some items, such as hairdryers or razors, only operate at 120 volts.  These need both a converter and an adapter.

To know for sure, check the label on the plug or the items documentation. If it says something like:  100-240V, 110-240V, 120-240V then only an adapter is needed. If it only says 120V, 110V, or it doesn’t say anything at all (or if you are uncertain in general) then use an adapter along with a converter.

If you decide you need a converter then you must determine how much power you need to convert.  Most likely the only item you will have that needs a converter is a hair dryer. Most hair dryers consume between 1000 watts and 2500 watts. Check your equipment and/or documentation to determine how much power it consumes and the purchase a converter that will handle that size of load.  If your item does not indicate watts then it should list the amps used. If this is the case then a small bit of math is required to convert to watts:  multiply the amps times the volts to get the watts.  For example, if your hair dryer indicates 15A then the calculation would be:  15 x 120 = 1,800 watts. A converter that provides more wattage then 1800 will work, however do not use one that provides less.

TIP:  Buy an adapter that has a USB connection so that you can use the same adapter for both your phone and another device like your converter.